Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I marked nine months of residing in London. Although it might not appear to be a long duration, I’ve gathered some valuable perspectives during this period. London is a vibrant metropolis, renowned not only for its extensive array of housing options but also for its multicultural communities. Students are presented with countless choices. Both student residences and private options offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily organize apartment viewings, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential homes online, check available facilities, and evaluate proximity to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I focused on renting a room in Central London, aiming to stay close to main attractions, social hubs, and the campus of Imperial. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two representing the most central areas. London features a superb transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes traversing between zones straightforward. Personally, I intended to keep travel expenses down since inter-zonal journeys can cost up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card alternatives have rendered university commutes more cost-effective. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend outside of the Underground’s reach, serving areas beyond central London. The cost of inter-zone travel on these services fluctuates according to distance and each train company’s fare structure. The high living expenses in Central London are attributed to the plethora of major attractions. Fortunately, going to university with a friend enabled us to share a room, which greatly lessened our rent. I opted for intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges, a mix that is often harder to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets consist of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. A close distance to necessary shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood to live in can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are pivotal to its cultural identity, contributing to a rich tapestry of neighborhoods. Many international students search for a touch of their home country’s familiarity in London. Southall in West London features a prominent South Asian community, complete with Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean population and lively music culture. Chinatown in the heart of London’s West End is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural celebrations. These are merely a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas for living in London are dictated by personal interests and requirements. As you embark on finding a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its accommodation offerings, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and allure of this extraordinary city.